There was definitely a headache brewing, but which one of the two had it worst was yet to be determined. The King or Uncle Qiren to the both of the Prince Lans, was hoping to get his point across, but he was having varying degrees of success.

"XiChen...do you like anyone? From all the candidates presented, tell me, has anyone caught your eye?"

Lan Zhan looked sympathetically over at his brother, whose ears were tinged pink, meaning that yes, he did like someone, but he didn't particularly want to share, at least right now. In that, Lan Zhan understood completely, as they were both in the same boat.

If he was honest, at the beginning of all this when the Matchmakers Ball was announced, he had thought five days far too long. Not for finding a mate or a companion, or a partner for life, but just as an event, and not because he disliked socialising.

Five days seemed like a waste of time, because presumably all the candidates would have been met in the first day, and God forbid if there was a second day, anyone left out could be accommodated. So the extra three days felt desperate, akin to being forced to choose and picking anyone just for the sake of choosing rather than because they were a real candidate.

The time limit was merely adding more stress to an already difficult situation, despite the premise that arranging a marriage would become easier.

But now that Lan Zhan had someone in his sights, the five day period was feeling rather short.

His someone was an extraordinarily interesting person, and Lan Zhan wanted to spend more time with him. The marriage thing wasn't even the important part now; he only wanted to quench the part of him that thirsted for more information about the silver-eyed beauty. And he wasn't thinking about Chenqing.

That was a whole other problem.

Now that he knew his own mind somewhat fairly clearly, Lan Zhan didn't want to waste any more time...but that's exactly what was happening right now.

Uncle Qiren had taken off his crown, since it was just the three of them here in the library, and currently, he was pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Alright...for now, you may go. But we shall meet here in two days and I will repeat my question once more. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Uncle."

Lan Zhan turned to leave with his brother but he was stopped.

"Not you, WangJi. Stay."

Uncle Qiren waited until the door closed after a hesitant XiChen actually left; he had been eager to go but when Lan Zhan was called back to stay, his protective instincts had kicked in and he wanted to remain in the room, just in case his brother needed him.

Lan Zhan wasn't sure why Uncle Qiren had stopped him from leaving too, but he gave his brother a small smile as he left, hoping to reassure him that he would be alright. He turned back to face his uncle, who was stroking his beard.

"Wangji...this process will not work if you are not present in its duration. I saw you leave the Great Hall last night, only returning when you absolutely needed to." He sighed. "I realise you may not be comfortable being among so many other people, and perhaps that is my fault. It was an indulgence awarded to you that should not have been encouraged, and I do regret it now. You have spent many years in solitude and as a result, it would not be unreasonable to assume that social interaction causes you distress now. However, I truly believe that the cure is to immerse yourself fully. So I expect you not to leave the Great Hall unless it is absolutely necessary. I hope you understand where I'm coming from, and will make a sincere effort in enduring the remainder of the ball." Uncle Qiren waited for him to respond.

Lan Zhan felt a little dazed. He nodded and bowed and left, all the while wondering what to do, because he had to meet with Chenqing tonight, and the faster, the better because in his heart of hearts, he knew he was not free to pursue Wei Ying until he had made his position clear with Chenqing...but now, how was he going to meet her?

It could only happen if she or her brother attended and arrived in the Great Hall like the other guests. Uncle Qiren would be keeping a closer eye on him tonight and it would be even more difficult to slip outside. Lan Zhan was surprised anyway that he had been seen leaving the day before, but then Uncle Qiren could be persistent when he wanted to be.

Lan Zhan made his way to his room to get ready for the night, hoping for better fortune.

***********

Wei Ying looked at Jiang Cheng's pale face and stifled the urge to really laugh. He was just returning from the bathroom for the sixth time in half an hour. He eyed the still half full bag of chocolates on his desk warily.

"Do you think it was these?" He held it up to Wei Ying. "What kind of chocolate was this?"

"The usual kind!" Wei Ying replied breezily, not wishing to implicate himself further. "You shouldn't eat too much of it anyway. It's a natural laxative."

At the mention of that last word, Jiang Cheng doubled up in pain and hastily ran out, clutching his stomach.

There was a knock on their door and ShenShen Yu entered.

"What's up with WanYin? Is he ill?" She asked, concerned.

Wei Ying diplomatically shrugged, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

She paced the room thoughtfully until Jiang Cheng came back. He paused when he saw her, but since standing wasn't an option, he had to walk past her to get to his bed. ShenShen Yu checked his temperature when he lay down. A fine sheen of sweat decorated his forehead, and she tutted.

"Do you think it was something you ate? I don't think you should accompany us tonight." She sighed as if having already made the decision. "Let me go and get some medicine. And you!"

"Huh?" Wei Ying turned around to look at her blankly.

"You can stay and keep him company. If he needs anything and such." She walked out of their room.

Wei Ying sat down on his bed...Chenqing had an appointment to meet with the Valet tonight...but maybe it was just as well if he didn't go? It was tiring to dress up...but then, what about their bet? And Lan Zhan had promised to kiss his cheek for him, so he wouldn't lose face with Huaisang and Jiang Cheng.

Maybe one less day wouldn't matter?

But he had been really looking forward to meeting Lan Zhan again, if only for that short while in his garden. He thought back to how those golden eyes had glowed with purpose when Wei Ying had been frightened, and he had felt so protected, so safe within those strong arms, those wide white sleeves hiding him from the danger. Not much could scare Wei Ying, but those evil creatures...he shuddered.

And Lan Zhan had gifted him his first ever flower! He made sure Jiang Cheng had closed his eyes properly, and then he reached for the book on his bedside table and opened it. There, just under the first page, the blue gentian flower still vibrant and real, rested against the ivory parchment.

On the next page was the magenta lotus flower, its many petals already bleeding its rich colour onto the blank page.

This was huge! He was willing to bet that neither Jiang Cheng nor Huaisang had ever reached this level in the romance game. The only thing that was bothering him about this though, was that Lan Zhan had given a flower to both him and his "sister". Did that mean Lan Zhan liked Chenqing more? And why did that thought cause pain to flare up in his chest? Disappointment grew like a patch of wet ink on a robe as he considered this possibility. What was he going to do if Lan Zhan actually liked Chenqing? In that way?

He would have to confess then, come clean and tell Lan Zhan everything...but Huaisang had said if they found out about his duplicity, the Lans could take it as a very personal insult. It would definitely damage their relationship with the Jiang Sect.

The only problem was, Lan Zhan didn't know he/she wasn't coming. What if he was already waiting for them?

********

Lan Zhan obediently followed the King into the Great Hall, wanting to get away, but since his his uncle had practically banned him from leaving, he had to rely on the faint hope that Wei Ying was coming anyway, since Lan Zhan would not be able to go and meet Chenqing in his garden.

The disappointment was real.

The weight of what he had to tell Chenqing was resting heavily on his mind and at this point, he just wanted to get it over and done with. Then, he could ask Wei Ying how he felt...

The Great Hall was already crowded, filled with people enthusiastically ready to be considered suitable for marrying one of the Twin Jades of Gusu. Lan Zhan looked around furtively, hoping for a glimpse of a red ribbon tied around an unruly ponytail, but he was disappointed not to see anything remotely similar.

The Princes were always accompanied by a person from their household, a cousin who was familiar with their guests enough to facilitate introductions. Tonight, Uncle Qiren wasn't taking any chances; Lan Zhan was lumbered with Lan Fei, an older member of their extended family.

Lan Fei was an expert. He knew everyone from all the Cultivation Sects, right from the founders to the current children ready to be groomed for their prestigious positions in the near future. He cleared his throat politely and led Lan Zhan to the first group of people.

Lan Zhan could tell straight away they were from the Jin Sect, with their ostentatious golden robes, and peonies embroidered all along the edges. Lan Fei introduced him to Jin ZiXuan, the heir apparent, and each one of their disciples. The first thing Lan Zhan noticed was that Jin ZiXuan was also distracted, looking towards the door regularly, and sighing inaudibly with disappointment, much in the same way that Lan Zhan had been, only a few moments ago.

It was only when the Jiang Sect was mentioned, and Jin ZiXuan perked up immediately, that Lan Zhan paid attention. He didn't have long to wait, for as soon as Jisng YanLi was announced, Jin ZiXuan made his excuses and left quickly to walk towards her.

Lan Fei bowed apologetically and seamlessly moved onto the red and white clad Wen Clan. Wen Chao had already gotten on his nerves by not even bowing low enough, despite Lan Zhan's perfect greeting. And, he had the personality of a wet dish rag, going on and on about himself as if there was nothing else important in the world.

Still, Lan Fei was nothing if not sensitive to what Lan Zhan was thinking and he was whisked away to another crowd. So it went on, and Lan Zhan was bored out of his mind, but thanking his lucky stars that his face showed no emotions.

By the time it was past eleven and Lan Zhan really wanted to sleep, he chanced to look up and saw the most welcome sight. Wei Ying was just outside, undecided about entering and Lan Zhan made the choice for him. He turned to Lan Fei and showed him who he was going outside to meet.

**********

Wei Ying had been undecided, that was the truth.

Jiang Cheng was unsettled after falling into a restless sleep and Wei Ying kept thinking about the lotus flower Lan Zhan had given him. Lan Zhan was probably still waiting outside in his garden for him...and Wei Ying was still over here...

He stood up suddenly making up his mind.

He left quietly, after making sure Jiang Cheng was as comfortable as he could be, and  wouldn't need him for a few hours, and praying ShenShen Yu would never find out, he mounted Suibian.

He reached Gusu within the hour and checked if Lan Zhan was really in the garden with the rabbits, but he wasn't there, and that meant Wei Ying would have to go to the Great Hall, but now he had to be extra careful not to bump into his family.  So Wei Ying waited outside, peeking in through the window.

And it was just his luck that Lan Zhan happened to look up then and spotted him.

Wei Ying ran up to him as he came outside, so excited to see him.

"Wei Ying." Lan Zhan was also excited to see him, and a little worried because it looked like he had come alone.

"Were you waiting for my sister?" Wei Ying asked. Half of him felt hopeful that Lan Zhan would answer no, but the other half was worried if he said yes...

"Where is she tonight?" Lan Zhan asked instead. His anxiety regarding the cleaning of his conscience overtook all other worries and he missed the disappointment on the other's face.

"Ah...er...She'll be here tomorrow, Lan Zhan." Wei Ying turned to go.

Lan Zhan had made his choice and there was no point in staying around...but tomorrow Wei Ying would have to tell Lan Zhan the truth.

"Wait...Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan was shocked that Wei Ying was leaving already. Didn't he want to spend any time with him? "Won't you keep me company? The Ball is almost over for tonight."

"My brother is sick and I have to look after him." Wei Ying didn't have the heart to stay, as it was he was having a hard time not crying there and then.

"Really? And you left him...just to see me?" Lan Zhan was hopeful all over again.

Wei Ying couldn't trust himself to speak now, there was a huge lump in his throat and he knew if he tried, he would end up crying instead.  So he waved and ran off into the night.